With a market cap of $43.9 billion, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, providing instruments, software, services, and expertise that help customers advance scientific research and innovation. The company serves a broad range of customers worldwide, delivering trusted solutions to address complex challenges across laboratories and scientific industries.
Shares of the scientific instrument maker have outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. Agilent Technologies stock has increased 33.1% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has returned 20.4%. Moreover, the stock has soared 16.5% on a YTD basis, compared to SPX's 12.5% gain.
Further, shares of the Santa Clara, California-based company have outpaced the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLV) 26.7% surge over the past 52 weeks.
Agilent Technologies' shares surged 16.9% following its Q2 2026 results on May 27. The company reported revenue of $1.83 billion, up 10% year-over-year (6.3% core growth), adjusted EPS increased 14% to $1.49, and EPS jumped 60% to $1.20. Additionally, adjusted operating margin expanded 130 basis points year-over-year to 26.4%. Investor sentiment was further boosted after Agilent raised its fiscal 2026 guidance, increasing expected revenue to $7.39 billion - $7.49 billion and adjusted EPS to $6 - $6.10.
For the fiscal year ending in October 2026, analysts expect Agilent Technologies' adjusted EPS to grow 7.9% year-over-year to $6.03. The company's earnings surprise history is mixed. It beat or met the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing on another occasion.
Among the 20 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a “Moderate Buy.” That’s based on 13 “Strong Buy” ratings, two “Moderate Buys,” and five “Holds.”
This configuration is more bullish than three months ago, with 11 “Strong Buy” ratings on the stock.
On Aug. 17, Morgan Stanley raised its price target for Agilent to $175 and maintained an Overweight rating.
The mean price target of $159.21 represents a marginal premium to A's current levels. The Street-high price target of $185 implies a potential upside of 16.5%.
On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.